Movable unit for transport of a mould drum and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a mold drum for molding products from a mass of food starting material. The mold drum comprises one or more cavities with a mold cavity wall having at least partially a porous structure, whereas each cavity is connected to a passage. The present invention further relates to a cleaning apparatus for the inventive mold drum with supporting means for supporting the axis of the drum. Additionally, the present invention relates to a process for cleaning the inventive drum.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a mould drum for moulding products froma mass of food starting material. The mould drum comprises one or morecavities with a mould cavity wall having at least partially a porousstructure, whereas each cavity is connected to a passage. The presentinvention further relates to a cleaning apparatus for the inventivemould drum with supporting means for supporting the axis of the drum.Additionally, the present invention relates to a process for cleaningthe inventive drum.

BACKGROUND

Hygiene is an important issue in the food processing industry. It istherefore important that machine parts, which are in contact with a foodproduct, are cleaned regularly. Particularly, when using a drum withcavities with a porous structure for producing formed food products, thedrum must be cleaned regularly and as soon as possible after the moulddrum has been removed from the forming apparatus. If this is not done,for example dry meat will result in blocking of the pores of the porouscavity and will make it very difficult to clean these cavities.

From WO 2005/107481 A2, a mould drum is known, which can be cleaned.However, the cleaning of this mould drum is not sufficient. Furthermore,from this patent application, a cleaning apparatus is known, which ishowever rather complicated and results in an insufficient cleaning.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It was therefore the objective of the present invention to provide amould drum, a cleaning apparatus and a process which do not have thedeficiencies according to the state of the art.

This problem is attained with a mould drum for moulding products from amass of food starting material, comprising one or more cavities with amould cavity wall having at least partially a porous structure, whereaseach cavity is connected to a passage, and whereas the passage extendsfrom the first front end to the second front end of the mould drum.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mould drum formoulding products from a mass of food starting material. Particularly,the present invention relates to a mould drum for forming meat, forexample into two- or three dimensional patties. The mould drum comprisesone, preferably more cavities, which are arranged on the surface of thedrum. These cavities are preferably arranged around the entirecircumference of the mould drum and a multitude of cavities are arrangedin parallel; i.e. in rows. During the production, one row of cavities isfilled and emptied simultaneously. During production, the drum rotates.Such a drum with porous cavities is and the respective food productforming device is for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,649 or inU.S. Pat. No. 3,205,837. These references are herewith incorporated byreference and their disclosure is therefore part of the disclosure ofthe present patent application.

According to the present invention, each mould cavity has a cavity wall;i.e. sidewall and/or a bottom, which is at least partially porous sothat the cavity wall is permeable for gas and/or a cleaning fluid. Theporous structure is for example a sintered structure. The porousstructure has a multitude of channels, which extend from one surface ofthe structure to the other surface of the structure. Preferably, thechannels are interconnected. The drum can comprise one cylindricalelement which is entirely made from a porous material. Alternatively,the drum comprises porous inlays. Preferably, only the bottom is made atleast partially from a porous material.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, each cavity isconnected to a passage, to vent the cavity during filling, providepressurized gas in order to remove the product from the cavity and/or tosupply a cleaning fluid to the cavity. Preferably, all cavities in onerow are interconnected to each other by the passage. According to thepresent invention, this passage now extends from the first front end tothe second front end of the mould drum, i.e. a cleaning fluid introducedat one front end can leave the drum at the other front end without beingforced through the porous structure. This embodiment has the advantagethat particularly during cleaning, the passage can be rinsed and foodparticles in the passage can be easily discharged from the passage.

Preferably, one front end comprises distribution means, preferably aring, for distributing a cleaning- and/or drying fluid to all passages.This distribution means interconnects all passages so that the cleaning-and/or drying fluid only has to be provided to the mould drum once; i.e.to the distributor, which distributes the cleaning- and/or drying-fluidto all passages.

According to another preferred embodiment, the front end of the moulddrum comprises form fit means to rotate the mould drum particularlyduring the production of the formed products. This form fit means can befor example a multitude of pins which are distributed equidistantlyaround the circumference of the front end.

In another preferred embodiment, the mould drum comprises an axis ofrotation that extends from both ends of the mould drum. This extensioncan be utilized to bear the mould drum for example in the forming-and/or cleaning apparatus. Furthermore, these extensions can be utilizedto transport the mould drum for example from the production apparatus tothe cleaning apparatus and vice versa. The axis of rotation can be partof the front end of the mould drum, can be fixed to the front end of themould drum and/or can extend through the entire center axis of the moulddrum.

In another or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the moulddrum comprises a hollow axis of rotation and/or a hollow journal. Thishollow axis of rotation and/or a hollow journal can be, for example,utilized to transport the mould drum, for example from the formingapparatus to a cleaning apparatus and vice versa.

Preferably, the mould drum comprises recognition means, preferably anRFID, with a read only- or a read- and write-function. The use ofrecognition means is advantageously in both, the forming apparatus andthe cleaning apparatus to cleans the drum. It gives the opportunity towork with pre-programmed menus in both the forming apparatus and/orcleaning apparatus which results in quality assurance and fasterchangeovers. This program can be stored on the recognition means and/oron a control system which is part of the forming apparatus and/or thecleaning apparatus.

When a mould drum will be placed in the forming apparatus the systemwill recognize it and preferably process parameters, for example:filling pressure for the food mass, rotational speed of the drum, setpoints to control the fluid to the product cavities to remove the formedproducts, movement of the belt which remove the formed product from thedrum, will be activated. Additionally, also the production history, forexample at what time and date the mould drum has been used, standstillperiods, temperature of the mass, operating times versus producedcapacity, etc, of that particular mould drum in the forming apparatuscan be monitored and stored. This information can be for example used toforecast production capacity and/or to proactively initiate service forthe mould drum and/or the cleaning- or molding apparatus.

When the mould drum will be placed in the cleaning apparatus, the drumwill be recognized and the individual cleaning process for theparticular drum will activated. The cleaning program can consistsettings like the amount of detergents which are needed, time period ofeach cleaning step within the cleaning process. Also the cleaninghistory of the drum can be monitored. This is especially important dueto the hygienic demands for food forming processes.

In case a mould drum with cavities made from porous material is used, itis advantageous, to clean the mould drum shortly after the productionperiod, to prevent that the openings within the material get clogged. Bystoring one or more of the above mentioned data into a memory of theforming apparatus and cleaning apparatus and/or in centrally organizedmemory, it is, for example, afterwards possible to analyze if a problemwith a mould drum is related to for example a failed cleaning process.

Preferably, the drum is stored in a storage unit. This storage unit canalso be provided with recognition means to control the logistics withrespect to mould drums. The forming apparatus, cleaning apparatus andstorage unit can be coupled together for a centralized control of thehandling of the mould drums. In a preferred embodiment with moretracking- and tracing technology, it will be known which drum is in theforming apparatus, which drum is in the cleaning apparatus, which drumsare in the storage unit and even the settings wherewith the formingapparatus and cleaning apparatus are working can be monitored andeventually from a central point be changed. The history of the moulddrum with respect to the cleaning apparatus and forming apparatus isalso available. A secured central control over the configuration of theproduction line can be achieved by coupling all used machines together.

Identification means in the mould drum can for example be milled grooveswhich grooves comprise a code which can be recognized by recognitionmeans, for example, machine readable holes forming an unique number, abarcode, a transponder (electronic tag, radio tag, RFID chip) or otheridentification means are also possible.

The recognition means connected to the forming apparatus and/or cleaningapparatus is a read- and/or write means which is capable to read theidentification means which is part of each mould drum and/or writeinformation on the recognition means of the mould drum.

The used technique recognition means must withstand the circumstancesduring the forming process, during the cleaning process, during storageand/or during further handling of the mould drum. Especially thecleaning process where the drum is accommodated within the housing of acleaning apparatus, the drum will be exposed to detergents, acids, highpressure washing and/or high temperature. To prevent that theidentification means placed at/in the mould drum and the recognitionmeans placed at the forming apparatus, cleaning apparatus and/oreventually storage unit will be damaged, they are preferably placed in aprotected place and/or integrated in plastic parts.

Another subject matter of the present invention is an apparatus for theinventive mould drum with supporting means for supporting the axis ofthe mould drum, whereas the cleaning apparatus comprises cover- andfastening means, which fastens the mould drum to the supporting meansand/or covers one or both front ends of the mould drum.

The disclosure regarding the inventive mould drum also applies to theinventive apparatus and vice versa.

This embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus forexample for cleaning a mould drum from the inside; i.e. particularly thepassage and/or the cavity and/or from the outside. This embodiment ofthe present invention further relates to a forming apparatus in whichthe drum is utilized to form food products from a food startingmaterial.

According to the present invention, the apparatus comprises supportingmeans for supporting the axis of the drum, which preferably does notrotate during the cleaning process and preferably rotates during theproduction process. Preferably, the axis of the drum fits on and/or inthe supporting means and is at least partially secured in its position.For example, the supporting means can be utilized by a segment of acylindrical sidewall of a tube.

Furthermore, the apparatus comprises cover and/or fastening means, whichfasten the mould drum to the supporting means and/or cover the front endof the mould drum, at least partially. By covering one front end of amould drum, one end of the passage can be closed and/or two passages canbe fluid-wise interconnected by the cover. Additionally oralternatively, the cover can be connected to an fluid to eject theformed product, a cleaning- and/or drying fluid source to introduce acleaning- and/or drying-fluid via the front end into the passage of themould drum and force the cleaning- and/or drying-fluid through theporous structure and thus clean and/or dry it. Preferably, the cover-and the fastening means comprise sealing means to avoid thatparticularly ejection-, cleaning- and/or dry-fluid leaks unintentionallyfrom one of the front ends.

In another preferred embodiment, the cover and/or fastening meanscomprise drive means to move them from a fastening into a remoteposition and vice versa and preferably secure it in at least one of itsrespective position. These drive means can be operated by a motor and/ormanually. This preferred embodiment of the present invention has theadvantage that the mould drum can be placed on the support means of theapparatus. Subsequently, first one and then the second cover and/orfastening means can be automatically placed against the front end of themould drum in order to secure the mould drum in its position and/or inorder to clean the passages and/or the cavities.

In another preferred embodiment, one cover and/or fastening meanscomprise an ejection-, cleaning- and/or drying-fluid connection toprovide an ejection-, a cleaning- and/or drying-fluid to the passageand/or the cavity. Via the cover, the cavity can also be vented duringfilling of the cavity.

Additionally, in case the apparatus is a cleaning apparatus, itcomprises preferably a nozzle that rotates around the drum in order toclean the circumference and/or the front end of the drum. The nozzle canbe motor driven and/or driven by the emerging cleaning fluid jet.

According to a preferred or another embodiment of the present invention,the apparatus comprises means to move, preferably lower and/or lift themold drum relative to the frame of the apparatus. This means can beutilized to press the drum against a seal in the vicinity of the fillingarea of a mass feed member. Furthermore, this means can be utilized toremove the mould drum from a movable unit and/or place it into theapparatus. Additionally, this means can be used to change the verticaland/or horizontal position of the mould drum during cleaning and/or toremove the remove the means, on which the mould drum rests, from thedrum.

Preferably, the mould drum comprises a read/write unit whichcommunicates with the recognition means of the mould drum.

Another subject matter of the present invention is a process for thecleaning of the inventive mould drum in the inventive cleaningapparatus, whereas the passages are rinsed from the first front end tothe second front end.

The disclosure regarding the mould drum and/or the cleaning apparatusalso applies to the inventive process and vice versa.

According to a preferred or another embodiment of the inventive processfor cleaning a mould drum is moved, preferably lowered and/or liftedprior, during and/or after cleaning and/or that support means (82, 83)are removed from the drum during cleaning and vice versa.

According to the present invention, the passages are rinsed from thefirst front end to the second front end. This embodiment of theinventive process has the advantage that food particles, which areinside the passage, are removed from the passage and not forced into theporous structure of the cavities.

In a preferred embodiment, the cavities are rinsed with a cleaning fluidafter the passage has been cleaned. Particularly after the passage hasbeen cleaned, the opening of the passage in one front end will be closedso that the fluid introduced into the passage has to flow through theporous structure of the cavity and thereby cleans the porous structure.

In another preferred embodiment, the passage and/or the cavity is driedafter cleaning. This is preferably utilized by introducing air into thepassage, which preferably firstly removes water from the passage andthen dries the cavity.

In a preferred embodiment, the outside of the drum is cleaned by arotating nozzle. This embodiment of the present invention has theadvantage that the drum stands still during the cleaning process. Inanother preferred embodiment, the front ends are cleaned before thepassage and/or the cavity is rinsed. This preferred embodiment of thepresent invention has the advantage that the front ends are alreadycleaned before they are covered by a cover.

Another subject matter of the present invention is a movable unit totransport the mould rum according to one of the preceding claims,whereas it comprises a fork and/or a spindle to bear the mould drum.

In case a drum is transferred from or to the storage unit, for examplewith a movable unit with lifting means, the storage unit can be designedas a relatively simple rack which can be provided with protection means,for example plastic shoe shaped part, to prevent that the surface of thedrum will be damaged. The storage unit can accommodate multiple drums.The storage unit is preferably provided with a positioning means toassure a trouble free placement and removal of the mould drum with themovable unit.

In case a movable unit is provided without lifting means, the storageunit must be provided with lifting means to lift the mould drum from themovable unit or to put the mould drum on the movable unit. Only a smallmovement in vertical direction is needed for transferring the drum. Allthe lifting means described in the several embodiments of the cleaningapparatus and forming apparatus can also be used for the storage unit.These lifting means can be driven pneumatically, with an electric motorbut preferably manually so no pneumatic or electric connection to thestorage unit is needed. In a manually operated system, the mould drumsupports in the storage unit can be moved by for example by a levermechanism which makes only a rotating movement around a pivoting pointto overcome the height difference. Other designs like lever mechanismswhich can make a rotating movement and/or a linear movement and aspindle driven unit are possible too. Every mould drum storage locationcan have its own lifting means but it's also possible that multiple drumlocations are operate with one lifting means. The storage unit can bedesigned such that there is a restricted area wherein at least theoutside of at least one drum can be washed with a high pressure washerwithout splashing meat particles etcetera to the already cleaned andstored drums. This can be useful when the production of food productsstops only for a short period of time and especially the outside of themould drum has to be cleaned before the next production run will start.

The present invention is now explained according to the figures. Theseexplanations do not limit the scope of protection. The explanationapplies to all embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view from a first end of a mould drumaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view from a second end of a mould drumaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1C is an illustrative perspective view from one end of a mould drumaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1D is an illustrative perspective view from a different end of amould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1E is a sectional view of a mould drum according to the teachingsherein.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleaningapparatus according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 2B shows illustrative features of a cleaning apparatus according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 2C shows illustrative features including a first support frame andsealing means of a cleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 2D shows illustrative features including a second support frame andsealing means of a cleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 3A shows illustrative features of a cleaning apparatus according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 3B shows illustrative features of a cleaning apparatus according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 3C shows illustrative features of a cleaning apparatus according tothe teachings herein with a mould drum.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to theteachings herein having a cover with part of the cover cut-away.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to theteachings herein with a cover opened.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein with a mould drum.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein with a mould drum.

FIG. 4E is a front view showing illustrative features of a cleaningapparatus according to the teachings herein with a mould drum.

FIG. 5A shows an illustrative perspective view of a moveable unitcarrying a mould drum and a cleaning apparatus according to theteachings herein. A portion of a cover of the cleaning apparatus iscut-away.

FIG. 5B shows an illustrative perspective view of a moveable unit and acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein with the mould drumin the cleaning apparatus. A portion of a cover of the cleaningapparatus is cut-away.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B shows a concept for loading a mould drum intothe cleaning apparatus. FIG. 6A is perspective view of an illustrativemoveable unit holding a mould drum in proximity of a cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of a moulddrum being placed in a cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of a molddrum placed in a cleaning apparatus having an open cover.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus having a closed cover.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein including coveringmeans for the axial ends of the mould drum.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus at one axial end of a mould drum.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus at one axial end of a mould drum.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an illustrative cleaning apparatusaccording to the teachings herein with a cut-away of a cover.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an illustrative mould drum according tothe teachings herein showing a first end.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of an illustrative mould drum according tothe teachings herein showing a second end.

FIGS. 9D and 9E are perspective views of an illustrative cleaningapparatus with a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 9F is a side view of an illustrative cleaning apparatus and moulddrum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a moveable unit and a cleaningapparatus with a mould drum held by the moveable unit according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a moveable unit and a cleaningapparatus with a mould drum held by the cleaning apparatus according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a mould drum in a cleaning apparatusaccording to the teachings herein at a time when the front ends of themould drum are not covered or sealed by the cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a mould drum in a cleaning apparatusaccording to the teachings herein at a time when one of the front endsof the mould drum is covered and/or sealed by the cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a mould drum in a cleaning apparatusaccording to the teachings herein at a time when both of the front endsof the mould drum are covered and/or sealed by the cleaning apparatus.

FIGS. 12-17 show different embodiments of the forming apparatus.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a forming apparatus including a moulddrum according to the teachings herein.

FIGS. 12B and 12C are perspective views showing features of a formingapparatus according to the teachings herein including bearings on eachfront end of the mould drum and a support frame.

FIGS. 13A and 13A1 are illustrative perspective views showing featuresof a moveable unit according to the teachings herein carrying a moulddrum.

FIGS. 13B and 13B1 are illustrative perspective views showing featuresof a moveable unit according to the teachings herein carrying a moulddrum.

FIG. 13C is an illustrative perspective views showing features of amoveable unit according to the teachings herein carrying a mould drum.

FIG. 13C1 is an illustrative perspective view showing features of amoveable unit according to the teachings herein with a forming apparatusand a mould drum.

FIG. 14A is an illustrative perspective view showing features of amoveable unit according to the teachings herein with a forming apparatusand a mould drum.

FIG. 14B is an illustrative perspective view showing features of amoveable unit according to the teachings herein with a forming apparatusand a mould drum.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a forming apparatus according to theteachings herein with a mould drum having ends sealed and/or covered.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a forming apparatus according to theteachings herein with a mould drum at a stage when the ends are notsealed or covered.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of aforming apparatus and a moveable unit according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of aforming apparatus and a moveable unit according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of amoveable unit and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of amoveable unit and a mould drum for inserting/removing the mould drumfrom a forming apparatus.

FIG. 17C is a perspective view showing illustrative features of aforming apparatus, a mould drum, and a moveable unit according to theteachings herein.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are perspective views showing illustrativefeatures of moveable units according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of cleaningapparatus according to the teachings herein. Also shown is a movableunit carrying a mould drum.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus, a moveable unit and a mould drum according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus, a moveable unit and a mould drum according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 20C is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20D is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20E is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20F is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20G is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20H is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus and a mould drum according to the teachings herein.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21,C, 21D, and 21E are a perspective views showingillustrative features of a cleaning apparatus and a mould drum accordingto the teachings herein including lifting/support means.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F are perspective views showingillustrative features of a cleaning apparatus and a mould drum includingfeatures related to the covering of front ends of the mould drum.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D are perspective views showing illustrativefeatures of a forming apparatus according to the teachings herein. Theapparatus may include lifting and/or support means for placing, removingand/or supporting the drum.

FIG. 24 is a perspective views showing illustrative features of aforming apparatus according to the teachings herein. The apparatus mayinclude lifting/support means for placing, removing and supporting thedrum.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views showing illustrative features ofa forming apparatus according to the teachings herein.

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are perspective views showing illustrativefeatures of a forming apparatus according to the teachings hereinincluding a mass supply connection point.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective views showing illustrative features ofan illustrative cleaning apparatus with a mould drum. The cleaningapparatus may be used with a moveable unit having a lifting means.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views showing illustrative features ofan illustrative cleaning apparatus including a mould drum. The cleaningapparatus may be used with a moveable unit having a lifting means.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view showing illustrative features of acleaning apparatus according to the teachings herein. The cleaningapparatus may include recognition means.

FIG. 29B is a perspective view showing illustrative features of aforming apparatus according to the teachings herein. The formingapparatus may include recognition means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A, and 1B shows the inventive mould drum 1 with a first front end3 and a second front end 4. This mould drum 1 comprises on its surface amultitude of cavities 2, which are arranged around the entirecircumference and which are open towards the surface. These cavities areutilized to form a food mass, preferably a meat mass into a desired 2D-or 3D-form, for example a patty. Additionally, along its axialextension, the mould drum comprises a multitude of cavities which arearranged in parallel. In the present case, one row of cavities comprisesfive cavities 2, which are filled simultaneously and emptiedsimultaneously. During production, each cavity is filled with a foodstarting material, particularly with meat. Subsequently, this 2D- or3D-formed product is removed from the cavity. During the production, thedrum rotates. Each cavity comprises at least partially a porousstructure; i.e. a at least partially porous bottom and/or a at leastpartially porous sidewall. This porous structure can be utilized to ventthe cavity during filling, to apply pressurized air to the cavity toremove the product from the cavity and/or to clean the porous structure.All cavities 2 are connected to a passage 8, through which the cavitiesare vented and/or air or cleaning fluid is supplied. According to thepresent invention, this passage extends from the first front end 3 ofthe drum to the second front end 4 of the drum. On one front side, hereon the left front side 3, the inventive mould drum further comprises adistributor 9, here a ring-shaped groove, in order to supply a cleaningfluid to all passages 8 simultaneously, which are fluid-wise connectedto the distributor. Furthermore, form fit means 7, here embodied aspins, are arranged on the circumference of the front end 3 which areutilized to rotate the drum particularly during production. From thefirst front end 3 and the second front end 4 an axis of rotation 5extends, respectively, which is used to bear the mould drum during itsrotation in the production device and/or to bear the drum during itscleaning and/or to transport the drum. If needed, bearings 6 are fixedto the axis of rotation 5.

FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E shows another embodiment of the inventive moulddrum 1. The mould drum has in a preferred embodiment a stainless steelbase with fixedly placed inserts which inserts are partly or completelymade from material with a porous structure. The mould drum is providedwith a multitude of product cavities 2 which are arranged around theentire circumference of the mould drum and which form a row of cavitiesin longitudinal direction of the drum and which are open towards thesurface and are utilized to form a food mass into a product, for examplea patty. The mould drum has a first axial front end 3 and a second axialfront end 4. Every row of product is provided with at least one passage8 through which the cavities are vented and/or cleaning fluid issupplied. Each passage preferably extends from the first axial front end3 to the second front end 4. A distributor 9 for a pressurized fluid ispreferably integrated in first frond end 3. The mould drum has arelatively large internal opening 80. Further form-fit means 7 areprovided to drive the drum in the forming apparatus. Here theform-fit-means are located within the opening 80, so that they areprotected and cannot be, for example, contaminated by the food mass.

FIG. 1D shows a preferred location for identification means 12 at moulddrum 1. Preferably the identification means 12 at the drum should beprovided in first front end 3. The drum can be provided with more thanone identification means 12 to prevent that the forming apparatus orcleaning apparatus can recognized the mould drum only by means of oneidentification means 12 and/or to prevent that there is only onepre-determined position wherein the drum will be recognized by theforming apparatus or cleaning apparatus.

Via a mass supply system (not depicted), a food mass will be transportedto a mass feed member provided with a fill opening adjacent to the moulddrum 1. When a row of cavities in the drum is at least partiallycongruent with the fill opening, the mass, which is pressurized withrelatively low pressure, will flow into the open cavities. Duringfilling the air within the cavities preferably escapes via the porousstructure of the bottom 10 and when applied, the porous structure of thesidewalls 11. The air will escape out of the drum via passages 8. Duringfurther rotation of the drum a seal will preferably keep the formedproducts within the cavities till the row of formed products isapproaching for example the lowest position of the drum. This is themoment that the formed products have to be removed from the cavities byusing a fluid, preferably air, under excess pressure. Removing of theproducts can be done in several ways. When the product cavities areprovided with a porous bottom 10 and side wall 11 has a closedstructure, fluid only has to be provided in a passage 8 which isdirected to the porous bottom 10. When the product cavities are providedwith a porous bottom 10 and a porous sidewall 11, fluid can to beprovided to both the bottom wall and/or sidewall. When using one passage8 per row of cavities the porous cavities can be designed such that thefluid flow exits the porous structure of the bottom 10 and sidewall 11at the same time.

FIG. 1E shows an example of a cross view of a mould drum, wherein 2passages will be used, one separate passage 8 a for the bottom and oneseparate passage 8 b for the sidewall. Several options how to provide apressurized fluid to the bottom and/or the sidewall are preferred. Fluidcan exit the porous structure of the bottom and sidewall essentially atthe same time, by directing the fluid to both passages 8 a, 8 bsimultaneously. Fluid can be directed first to a passage 8 b, which isconnected to the porous structure of the sidewall and at least partiallyafterwards fluid can be directed to a passage 8 a, which is connected tothe porous structure of the bottom. Alternatively, fluid can be directedfirst to a passage 8 a, which is connected to the porous structure ofthe bottom, and at least partially afterwards, the fluid is directed toa passage 8 b which is connected to the porous structure of thesidewall.

When using large products even more than two passages per row of productcavities can be used to improve the control of removing the formedproducts out of the product cavities.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a first embodiment of the cleaningapparatus 20. This cleaning apparatus comprises a support frame 22,which is embodied in the present case as a partial segment of acylindrical tube. Into this support frame, the axis of rotation 5 of themould drum (please compare FIGS. 1A and 1B) is placed. On each side, theinventive cleaning apparatus comprises cover- and fastening means 23, 26which are axially movable. After the drum has been placed into thesupport frames, the cover- and/or fastening means 23, 26 are movedtowards the drum, until they are in contact with the respective frontend. Drive means 25, 28, preferably motor drive means can be utilizedfor this movement particularly in order to automatize the cleaningprocess. The person skilled in the art understands, however, that themeans 23, 26 can also be moved manually. Preferably, the means 23, 26are moved one after the other, which will be described in more detailaccording to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C. At their contact side with thedrum, each cover- and/or fastening means 23, 26 comprises sealing means24, 27 in order to avoid undesired leakage particularly cleaning- and/ordrying-fluid leakage between the drum and the cover 23, 26. Duringcleaning, the mould drum is stationary and a distributor, here a spraybar 31, with a multitude of nuzzles 30, rotates around the drum. Thedistributor 31 can be motor driven and/or can be rotated by the impulseof the jet that emerges each nozzle 30. The cleaning fluid sprayed onthe outside of the drum cleans the surface of the drum and the surfaceof the cavity. Furthermore, the cover- and/or fastening means 26comprises a cleaning fluid connection 32. Through this cleaning fluidconnection 32, a cleaning fluid is introduced into the cover and flowsfrom there to the distribution groove 9, which is connected to allpassages 8 of the mould drum. Thus, the passages 8 and/or the porousstructure of the cavity can be cleaned which will be explained infurther detail later on. FIG. 2A shows the inventive cleaning apparatus20 in its entirety. In the present case, a hood can be opened, whichextends essentially over the entire length of the cleaning apparatus inorder to place the mould drum into the support frame 22.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show further details of the inventive cleaningapparatus according to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. As can be particularlyseen from FIG. 3B, in the present case, the cleaning apparatus comprisesdrive means 49, 52 in order to rotate the spraying means 50, 51. At theend of a rotating axis 49, a pinion 52 is arranged, which drivesform-fit-means, here pins associated with the spray bar structure 51 torotate the spray bar structure 51. Besides the cleaning fluid connection54, also an air source connection 53 is provided in the cover 46, whichforces air into the distributor and thus into the passages and thecavities in order to dry the passages and the cavities. As can beparticularly seen from FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B, the moulddrum can also be loaded into the cleaning unit from one of the frontends of the cleaning device 40. For the loading of the mould drum intothe cleaning device, a movable unit is used, which comprises a fork 58,which is height adjustable and on which the drum is placed so that thecircumference of the drum sits on the fork 58. The fork 58 together withthe drum is inserted into the cleaning unit 20 after the cleaning unithas been opened and then the fork 58 is lowered and the mould drum isplaced on the support frame 42. Subsequently, the movable unit 57 isremoved from the cleaning unit and the hood can be closed. The cleaningprocess can be inspected via a window 56.

There can be separate tanks for cleaning agents, descaler anddisinfectant, pumps for spray nozzles and/or for internal cleaning drumfilters. The valves for controlling the cleaning fluid can be operatedby a PLC.

In FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B an alternative loading process is depicted.In the present case, the mould drum is loaded from the front side. Inthe present case, the axis of rotation 5 sits on the fork 58 and is thenlowered into the support frame 52. Subsequently, the movable unit 36 isremoved from the cleaning unit, the hood is closed and the cleaningprocess can start.

Since, in all applications the drum is not gripped by the movable unit,but sits on a fork, the movable unit is produced and operated easily.The drum is not damaged during transportation and/or insertion of thedrum into the cleaning apparatus and/or into the cleaning apparatus.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 10A and 10B show analternative embodiment of the inventive cleaning unit. As can beparticularly seen from FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, the cover 63 is rotatablefor example by motor means 65 or manually. Other than that, reference ismade to the description of the other figures. As can be particularlyseen from FIGS. 10A and 10B, the drum is loaded in the present case by amovable unit, which comprises a spindle 72, which can be inserted intothe axis of rotation 5 of mould drum. After the mould drum has beenplaced on the support frame 62, the movable unit and thus the spindle isremoved from the drum. The person skilled in the art understands that inthe present case also a fork can be used to place the mould drum intothe cleaning unit.

The person skilled in the art understands that the cover- and/orfastening means can also be operated manually. The person skilled in theart further understands that all cleaning devices comprise collectionmeans in order to collect the cleaning fluid and preferably recycle itinto the cleaning process.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows the inventive cleaning process. After themould drum has been placed into the cleaning unit (please compare FIG.11A), preferably first the front ends 3, 4 are cleaned by a nozzle 30.Subsequently, the cover- and/or fastening means 26 are brought intocontact with the first front end 3. It should be noted that the cover-and/or fastening means 23 is still in its remote position. Subsequently,the cleaning fluid is introduced into the cover 26 and flows from therethrough the passages 8. Since the cover- and/or fastening means 23 isstill in its remote position, the passages 8 are open at the secondfront end 4 of the mould drum 1 and the fluid introduced into thepassage via cover 26 can escape from front end 4. Thus, the passages 8are rinsed and food particles in the passage can be removed. Thisprocess step is depicted in FIG. 11B Subsequently, as depicted in FIG.11C, the cover- and/or fastening means 23 is moved from its remoteposition to the contact position with the mould drum. Now, the passages8 are closed at the second front end 4 and a cleaning- and/ordrying-fluid forced into the passage, must leave the mould drum via theporous cavities 2 so that the porous structure of the cavities arecleaned during this stage of the cleaning process. After the cleaning ofthe porous structure is finalized, if desired, air can be forced throughthe passages. This can be done by either first bringing the cover 23 inits remote position again so that first the passages are dried andafterwards, after the cover 23 is in contact with the front end of themould drum again, the porous structure of the cavities is dried. Thecleaning fluid can be water and if needed water with a cleaning agent.The water can be heated, however, in a first step always cold watershould be used in order to avoid denaturalization of the proteinstructure of the meat.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show a first embodiment of the formingapparatus, which utilizes the inventive mould drum as depicted anddescribed in FIGS. 1A and 1B to produce formed products, for examplepatties. The mould drum 1 is supported in a support frame 42 of theforming apparatus, which is for example part of the main frame of theforming apparatus. The support frame 42 is preferably engineered asdescribed above.

Bearings 21 are provided on both ends of the axis of rotation 5 to bearthe rotating drum relative to the forming apparatus. The bearing can bea self-lubricating bearing but preferably the bearing is provided as aroll bearing, preferably as a stainless steel roll bearing. The bearingcan be also of any other material, for example plastic, preferably highperformance plastic. The bearing must be resistant against the forces,which occur during the formation of formed products. Furthermore, thebearing must be resistant against the temperature and the cleaning agentin the cleaning apparatus as described above. Instead of the bearing onthe journals of the drum, it is also possible to make the bearing partof the forming apparatus. The drum assembly 1 will be placed in or onthe support frame by a movable unit which has been described above orwhich is described according to the subsequent figures. During fillingof the cavity, it is desirable that the cavities are vented via theporous structure and the passage 8 in the mould drum. During dischargeof the formed food product from the cavity, air under pressure will befed to the front end of the drum and flows from there through thepassages 8 and the porous structure to the cavity of the mould drum 1.To achieve this, one front end 3, 4 of the mould drum is provided with acover 43 with fluid connection points. When the movable unit 36 has putthe mould drum in/on the support frame 42, cover 43 will be moved byassociated drive means such that the cover 43 is in contact with one ofthe front ends 3, 4 of the mould drum 1. This drive means can be motoror manual drive means. Once the cover is in contact with the front endof the drum, it will be secured in this position manually orautomatically. The cover 43 which also secures the drum relative to thesupport frame is preferably provided with sealing means 44, for exampleof a labyrinth, lip seal or an O-ring seal to prevent a leakage betweenthe cover 43 and the front end 3 of the drum 1. During production, themould drum 1 is rotated while the cover 43 is preferably in a stationaryposition. As soon as one row of cavities has reached the fillingposition, one connection point in cover 43 is connected with the ambientand/or preferably with a vacuum so that air can escape from the cavitiesduring their filling. While or after the row of cavities has been filledwith food starting material, the mould drum 1 continues its rotation andwhen it has reached its discharge position, one connection point in thecover 43 will be connected with a pressurized fluid source, for examplean air source, for discharging the formed food product from the cavity2. The fluid will flow from the fluid source via the cover 43 into thepassage 8 and from there through the porous structure of one or morecavities, which are aligned in one row. It is also possible to providethe cover 43 with slots so that one or more passages 8 and/or one ormore rows of cavities are provided with air in the discharge position.It may be also desirable that even after discharge of the product, thefluid flow, for example the air flow, is maintained in order to cleanthe porous structure of the cavity. The cover 43 is therefore preferablyan exchangeable piece, which can be adapted dependent on the product tobe formed. The other front end 4, in the present case on the right handside, is also provided with a cover 46 mainly to close the opening ofthe passages 8. After the movable unit 36 has put the mould drum 1 inthe support frame of the forming apparatus 40, the cover 46 will bemoved manually or automatically by associated drive means 48, which movethe cover 46 from a remote position into a position where the cover 46is in contact with the front end 4 of the mould drum 1. Preferably, thecover 46 is provided with sealing means 47, preferably embodied asdescribed above, in order to prevent fluid-, preferably air-, leakagebetween this front end 4 of the mould drum and the cover 46. This covercan be either in a stand still position or can rotate together with thedrum.

FIGS. 13A, 13A1, 13B, 13B1, 13C, and 13C1 show the movable unit 36 inthree different embodiments. In all cases the movable unit comprises afork 58 with two arms which is adjustable in its height. The mould drum1 is beared on the fork 58 of the movable unit 36. In the embodimentaccording to FIG. 13A, the axis of rotation 5, which extends from bothends of the mould drum 1, lies on the fork 58. In the embodimentaccording to FIG. 13B, a segment of the circumference of the drum lieson the fork 58. In both cases, the front end of the fork comprisessecuring means, here indentations, in order to avoid that the drum rollsoff the fork. In the embodiment according to FIG. 13B, the mould drumlies with its entire length on the fork.

The forming apparatus preferably comprises guiding means (not depicted)to secure the movable unit 36 always in a defined position relative tothe forming apparatus, in order to assure that the drum is placed on thesupport frame in the correct position. For placing the mould drum 1in/on the support frame 42, the fork 58 is lowered until the axis ofrotation of the mould drum is fully supported by the support frame 42 ofthe forming apparatus. The lowering of the mould drum 1 can be carriedout manually or automatically. When utilizing the solution according toFIGS. 13A and 13B. the outfeed belt for the formed products must beshifted in a remote position. This is not the case in the embodimentaccording to FIG. 13C as can be seen from FIGS. 14A and 14B. In thiscase, the movable unit 36 carries drum 1 from underneath. Advantageousin this embodiment is that the drum can be placed and removed from theside of the forming apparatus. The outfeed belt need not be replaced inthis embodiment according to the present invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show yet another embodiment of the present invention.In this case, the support frame 42 at the front end 4 is designeddifferently. Here, the cover 46 is not shifted linearly as in thepreceding examples but is rotated into the locking position. Thismovement can be carried out manually or automatically. Preferably, cover46 comprises sealing means 47. Other than that reference is made to thedescription of FIGS. 12-14. Different in comparison to the otherexamples is also the drive means 45 of the cover 43. In the presentcase, this cover is operated manually. A leaver 45 also locks cover 43once it is in contact with the front end 3 of the mould drum 1.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the loading of the drum into the formingapparatus. Essentially, reference can be made to the disclosure maderegarding FIGS. 14A and 14B. However, the shifting and lockingmechanisms of the covers 43, 46 is as described according to FIGS. 15Aand 15B.

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C show another loading mechanism of the mould drum1. In the present case, the mould drum comprises a hollow shaft or ahollow journal into which a spindle, which is part of the movable unit36 is inserted. After the mould drum has been placed on support 42, thespindle is drawn out of the mould drum while removing the removable unit36 from the forming apparatus.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D show several embodiment of a movable unit57. In a first embodiment (FIG. 18a ), the unit is provided with ashaft/spindel 72. This shaft/spindle can be inserted into a drum opening80 of mould drum 1. In a second embodiment (FIGS. 18B and 18C) a fork 58is used which is holding the drum from underneath. The shaft/spindle butespecially the fork can be provided with elastic for example plasticparts to prevent that the, preferably partly porous, surface of themould drum will be damaged. Preferably the elastic parts are carryingthe first frond end 3 and second front end 4. In factories the floorsare often gently sloped. This can cause problems with transferring thedrum from the movable unit to the cleaning apparatus and/or the formingapparatus or vice versa. This problem is solved by providing the movableunit with an align mechanism 81. This mechanism can be used for theembodiment with fork as shown in FIG. 18B or 18C but can also be usedfor the embodiment with spindle. The aligning mechanism aligns the forkor the shaft/spindle to the slope of the forming- and/orcleaning-apparatus. In the embodiment in FIG. 18D, mechanism 81 consistof a turning knob 86, pressure piece 88 and hinge pin 87 which allowsthe shaft/spindle or fork to rotate perpendicular to the floor. Otheralign mechanism designs are possible too.

The movable unit can be equipped with a sensor that detects the angle ofthe drum or lifting/support means for the drum in the cleaning apparatusor forming apparatus. The movable unit could even be fitted with a motorand a battery and, depends on what the sensor measures, automaticallyadjust the angle of fork 58 or spindle 72 with the angle of thelifting/supporting means of the drum in the cleaning apparatus orforming apparatus.

FIGS. 19A and 19B shows the cleaning apparatus 40 which is here providedwith a hood which can be opened to place/remove the mould drum. Thecleaning apparatus including the hood can be provided with window(s) 76to inspect the cleaning process.

Both the cleaning apparatus and forming apparatus are preferablyprovided with a positioning means 85 to assure a trouble free placementand removal of the mould drum, particularly to fix and/or bring themovable unit into a clearly defined position relative to the cleaningapparatus and forming apparatus. Preferably the movable unit is providedwith for example a magnet and both the cleaning apparatus and formingapparatus with a sensor to detect the presence of the movable unit. Thecontrol unit detects the movable unit and when, for example one or morepreset, conditions are full-filled, only then lifting means can beoperated.

During cleaning the mould drum 1 is stationary and a distributor, here aspray bar 71, with here a multitude of nozzles 70, rotates via drivemeans 69 (not shown) around the drum and is connected to a cleaningfluid connection 75. On both outer ends of the drum cover and/orfastening means 66 with sealing means 67 are provided, which are movedtowards the drum by drive means 68. Cover means 66 is provided withcleaning fluid connection 73 and air source connection 74.

In case the movable unit 57 doesn't have lifting means, in both, thecleaning apparatus and/or forming apparatus, at least one, preferablytwo lifting/supporting means 82, 83 is/are provided, to place the moulddrum from the movable unit to the cleaning apparatus and/or formingapparatus and vice versa. This lifting/supporting means 82, 83 can alsobe used to lower and/or lift the mould drum during cleaning and/or toalternate the support during the cleaning of the mould drum, in case thedrum is not rotated, respectively. This assures that the areas where thedrum is supported by the lifting/supporting means 82, 83 is cleaned aswell.

The lifting/supporting means 82, 83 can be designed in several ways;with 2, 3, 4 or more supporting means as long as the drum support isstable enough. In the examples according to FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B,20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, 20H, 22A, 22B, and 22C, the lifting means 82and 83 are moving linearly and driven, for example by pneumaticcylinders. This invention is not limited to these designs. Other liftingmeans with linkages, transmissions and other drive units like electromotors, particularly servomotors, AC-motors or the like are alsopossible.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, and 20H shows the placement ofthe drum in the cleaning apparatus. In FIG. 20A the hood is open andlifting means 82 in cleaning position and lifting means 83 in remoteposition or vice versa. Now the movable unit 57 with the mould drum onthe fork is placed against the positioning means 85 of the cleaningapparatus. In FIG. 20B, the first lifting means 82 are in the drumtransfer position. During the movement from the cleaning position to thetransfer position, the lifting means 82 lifts the drum from theshaft/spindle or fork of the movable unit. In FIG. 20C, the movable unitis removed. In FIG. 20D, the drum is moved back from the transferposition to the cleaning position. The person skilled in the artunderstands that the cleaning position and the transfer position can beidentical. FIG. 20E, shows the start of the cleaning process. The hoodof the cleaning apparatus is preferably closed and cover means 63 ispositioned against each axial end of the mould drum 1. Cleaning of themould drum now takes place as, for example, described above. FIG. 20F,depicts the next step in the cleaning process with cover 63 against theouter end of the drum. During the cleaning process lifting means 83 willmove from remote position to cleaning position. Then lifting means 82moves from cleaning position to rest position. Now the area wherelifting means 82 was supporting the drum can be cleaned by nozzles 70.When the cleaning process is finished the drum can be lifted to thetransfer position by lifting means 82 and lifting means 83 moves back tothe remote position. The person skilled in the art understands, that itis also possible to operate the cleaning device only with one liftingmeans 82, 83. In this case, before or during the cleaning process, thelifting/supporting means 82, 83 are, at least temporarily, removed,preferably lowered and the mould drum is only supported at the axialfront ends 3, 4. During this removal of the lifting/supporting means 82,83, the area at which the lifting/supporting means 82, 83 where incontact with the drum can also be cleaned. Subsequently, thelifting/supporting means 82, 83 is lifted again until it is in touchwith the mould drum again.

Removal of the drum is executed reciprocally.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E show a lift/support means 93, withlevers and a roller at the end of each lever, to lift/support the drum.Beside a roll a part, for example a plastic part that moves gently alongthe circumference of the drum is possible too. In FIG. 21A the movableunit has brought the drum into the cleaning apparatus and lifting means93, consisting here of drive means 94, 95, is now in the transferposition (drum is supported by the rollers). In FIGS. 21B and 21D therollers are moved to the cleaning position by moving the levers apartand the cleaning process can be started. To clean the area were therollers support the drum, the rollers can move to a different position.If needed, the support and/or cover of the axial end has to be removedprior to moving the rollers into a different position, because this willresult in a different vertical position of the mould drum. However,alternatively, the mould drum can, at least temporarily, be supported atthe front ends 3, 4 during cleaning of the mould drum. In this case, therollers are, during cleaning, at least temporarily removed from the drumto clean the area, which was in touch with the rollers.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, and 20H show the firstpreferred embodiment of the positioning of cover 63 at one or both frontends 3, 44. The cover is connected to link mechanism 84 which is usedfor automate the cleaning process, and driven by driving means 65 like apneumatic cylinder or a motor. Link mechanism 84 allows a short movementof cover 63 in axial direction of the drum. The length of theshaft/spindle 72 or fork 58 of the movable unit can be reduced due tothis short movement.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F show a second preferredembodiment of the mechanism of the positioning of cover 89 at one orboth front ends 3, 4. The cover is, for example manually, connected viaa bayonet connection to a corresponding front end 3, 4 of drum 1. Thus,the length of the spindle 72 or fork 58 of the movable unit can bereduced. An automated design of the rotating cover is depicted in FIG.22A. Here, the cover 89 is connected to a driving rod 90. FIG. 22Bdepicts the position of the cover 89 in the beginning of the cleaningprocess where passages 8 must be cleaned. Cleaning liquid can flow freefrom the passages via the opening in cover 89 to the inside of thecleaning apparatus. FIG. 22C depicts the situation further in thecleaning process where the cover closes the passages 8 and the porouscavities can be cleaned.

FIGS. 22E and 22F shows that the cover 91 is preferably provided withfluid apertures and an internal fluid channel which ends in a dischargeopening 92 which will be provided with a valve.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 24, 25A, 25B, 26A,26B, 26C, 26D, 27A, and 27B which depict the forming apparatus 40. Theforming apparatus 40 is preferably provided with a positioning part 85to assure a trouble free placement and/or removal of the mould drumfrom/to the movable unit 57. lifting/support means of forming apparatusare shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D and FIG. 24.

FIGS. 23A and 23C show that lifting means 97 are moved to the transferposition to take over the drum from the movable unit. When the moulddrum sits on lifting means 97, the movable unit can be removed. Then thelifting means 97 move to the remote position and during this movementthe drum will be taken over by supporting means 96, as depicted in FIGS.23B and 23D. Now the drum is in the production position. Duringproduction of food products, the mould drum is preferably solelysupported by the rollers 96. Removal of the drum from the formingmachine to the movable unit goes vice versa. FIG. 24 shows anotherembodiment wherein combined lifting/support means 82 is used to place,remove and support the drum.

This invention is not limited to these designs. Other lifting means forexample 93 in FIG. 21 or with linkages, transmissions and drive units ascylinders and (servo) motors are also possible. During production thedrum not necessarily needs to run on rollers, supporting means for therotating drum 96 and lifting/supporting means 82 can be designeddifferently, for example as a shoe shaped part.

Mould drum comprises form fit means to rotate the mould drum during theproduction of formed products. The form fit means can be for examplecams integrated in front end 3 but other embodiments are possible too.The drum will be rotated by drive means 98 which will be coupled to theform fit means of the drum when the drum is placed in the formingapparatus. The centre line of drive means 98 is in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C,23D and 24 collinear with the centre line of the drum. It is alsopossible to drive the drum with the centre line of the drive means notin line with the centre line of the drum.

FIG. 25A shows the forming apparatus assembled for production with aseal 99 around the drum and a connection point to a mass supply system100. In FIG. 25B the seal with the mass supply connection point isturned away to create space to clean all parts of the forming apparatusand/or to remove the drum.

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D show a different embodiment based on seal99 and mass supply connection point 100 both fixed to frame 41 offorming apparatus 40. In FIG. 26A positioning, here lifting means 102 ismoving the mould drum from a remote position (here lowest position) tothe transfer position to take over the drum from the movable unit 57till the drum supports on lifting means 102. In FIG. 26B lifting means102 are in a transfer position and the movable unit is removed. In FIG.26C is depicted that cover means/fastening means 46 and eventuallysealing means 47 are be placed in the transfer position of the drum onthe second front end 4 of the mould drum to close passages 8. Dependingon their size, the cover- and sealing means 46, 47 can be placed on thedrum in the production position too. FIG. 26D shows the productionposition. Unlike the previously described embodiments were first thedrum is placed in the forming apparatus and later on the seal 99 isplaced over the drum, now the drum is pushed with the combined liftingand pressure means 102 against the stationary positioned seal 99.

While, in the present case, the seal 99 surrounds the drum by almost180.degree. and the seal 99 is placed around the drum at an anglerelative to the horizontal plane, the movement to the lifting andpressure means 102 is not linear, but a rotational movement. Thismovement assures that the drum will move freely to and into thestationary placed sealing. Other lifting means and pressure means arepossible too.

In another embodiment the vertical moving lifting means described inFIG. 24 can be used when the seal 99 is not totally fixed to the frame41 but is rotatable around an axis of rotation. When cleaning theforming apparatus this is advantageously to also clean the internalsurface of the seal 99. After cleaning the seal 99 can be rotated insuch a position that the drum can be moved until the surface of the drumcontacts the internal surface of the seal. Then the seal 99 can berotated to its production position and the lifting means can putpressure to the drum to assure a leak free operation.

FIGS. 27A and 27B show a cleaning apparatus without lifting means andFIGS. 28A and 28B show a forming apparatus without lifting means whereinthe drum is supported by support means 101. Both the cleaning apparatusand forming apparatus will be used together with a movable unit withlifting means for the shaft/spindle and fork (not shown). In the formingmachine these support means are preferably rollers with integratedbearings. In the cleaning apparatus these support means can be rollersbut while the drum is in stand still position during the cleaningprocess, the rollers do not have to rotate and do not need bearings.Other designs, for example a shoe shaped part, are also possible forboth de forming apparatus and the cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 29A shows a possible location of recognition means 13 in thecleaning apparatus and FIG. 29B shows a possible location of recognitionmeans in the forming apparatus.

There are several ways to position the drum in axial direction and keepit in that position in the cleaning apparatus and/or forming apparatus.The movable unit in combination with positioning part 85 will preferablyposition the drum in a pre-defined position in the cleaning apparatus orforming apparatus. When using rollers or a shoe shaped support part, oneset of rollers or support part can be provided with a collar to restrictmovement of the drum in one longitudinal direction. By using securingmeans in the other longitudinal direction of the drum the position ofthe drum is fully defined in its longitudinal direction. Securing meansthat can be used are covers 46, 63, 66, 89 and 91 and/or drive means 45and/or additional drive means. When using manually operated covers thedrum has to be slid manually to its correct position. When usingautomatic operating covers or (additional) drive means, drive means willslide the drum to the correct position. The drum can be kept in positionin its longitudinal direction by its associated drive means, by ridgesor cams or by additional drive means when it is desired to position thedrum in an automated process. When using support means (includingrollers) which are provided with tapered grooves and associated recesseson both outer ends of the drum (or vice versa) the drum lowers duringplacing in the cleaning apparatus or forming apparatus directly in thecorrect position.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 drum    -   2 product cavities    -   3 first front end    -   4 second front end    -   7 form-fit-means    -   8 passage    -   9 distributor    -   10 bottom    -   11 sidewall    -   12 identification means    -   13 recognition means    -   20 cleaning apparatus    -   21 bearing    -   22 support frame    -   23 cover-means, fastening-means    -   24 sealing means for cover-means 23    -   25 drive-means for cover means 23    -   26 cover-means, fastening-means    -   27 sealing means for cover means 26    -   28 drive-means for cover means 23    -   29 drive-means for spray means 30, 31    -   30 spray means, nozzle    -   31 distributor    -   32 cleaning fluid connection, air- and/or heated air-source        connection for air supply during drying of the drum, ejecting        air connection, venting connection during production    -   36 movable unit    -   40 cleaning apparatus, forming apparatus    -   41 frame    -   42 support frame    -   43 cover-means, fastening-means    -   44 sealing means for cover-means 43    -   45 drive-means for cover means 43/leaver    -   46 cover-means, fastening-means    -   47 sealing means for cover means 46    -   48 housing    -   57 movable unit    -   58 fork    -   60 cleaning apparatus    -   61 drum    -   62 support frame    -   63 cover-means, fastening-means    -   64 sealing means for cover-means 63    -   65 drive-means for cover means 63    -   66 cover-means, fastening-means    -   67 sealing means for cover means 66    -   68 drive-means for cover means 63    -   69 drive-means for spray means    -   70 spray means, nozzle    -   71 distributor    -   72 shaft, spindle    -   73 cleaning fluid connection passage and cavities    -   74 air source connection    -   75 cleaning fluid connection distributor 51    -   76 housing    -   80 drum opening    -   81 align mechanism    -   82 first lifting/support means    -   83 second lifting/support means    -   84 link mechanism cover 63    -   85 positioning means    -   86 turning knob    -   87 hinge pin    -   88 pressure piece    -   89 cover cleaning apparatus    -   90 driving rod    -   91 cover cleaning apparatus    -   92 discharge opening    -   93 lifting means    -   94 drive means for the drum position    -   95 drive means for the roller position    -   96 support means for rotating drum forming apparatus    -   97 lifting means forming apparatus    -   98 drive means for drum    -   99 seal    -   100 connection point to mass supply system    -   101 support means cleaning apparatus/forming apparatus    -   102 lifting and pressure means forming apparatus

What is claimed is:
 1. A movable unit to transport a mould drum whereinthe movable unit comprises: a fork and/or a spindle to bear the moulddrum during transport of the mould drum; a lifting component for liftingthe fork and/or spindle for removing the mould drum from an apparatus;and wherein the movable unit connects to a support frame of theapparatus via a positioning part, a guide or other connector so that theposition of the movable unit is fixed relative to the apparatus in atleast one spatial position prior to lifting the mould drum.
 2. Themovable unit according to claim 1, wherein the movable unit includes thefork, wherein the fork maintains an axis of the mould drum in agenerally horizontal direction.
 3. The movable unit according to claim2, wherein the fork includes two arms.
 4. The movable unit according toclaim 3, wherein the fork has a front end including a securing featurefor preventing the mould drum from rolling off the fork.
 5. The movableunit of claim 3, wherein the axis of rotation of the mould drum extendsbetween the two arms of the fork.
 6. The movable unit of claim 3,wherein the axis of rotation of the mould drum is generally parallel tothe length of the arms of the fork.
 7. The movable unit of claim 3,wherein the mould drum is supported along a first circumference of themould drum by one of the arms and along a second circumference of themould drum by the other arm.
 8. The movable unit of claim 3, wherein themovable unit includes wheels for moving the movable unit, wherein thewheels are connected to a base of the movable unit.
 9. The movable unitof claim 8, wherein the movable unit includes a handle for controllingthe movement of the movable unit.
 10. The movable unit of claim 9,wherein the arms of the fork extend in a generally horizontal direction.11. The movable unit of claim 1, wherein the movable unit includes thespindle.
 12. The movable unit of claim 11, wherein an angle of thespindle is adjustable.
 13. The movable unit of claim 12, wherein themovable unit includes a sensor for sensing a presence of the movableunit in relation to an apparatus.
 14. A method of transporting a moulddrum comprising the steps of: i) securing a movable unit to a formingapparatus having a mould drum; wherein the movable unit has a forkand/or a spindle to bear the mould drum during transport of the moulddrum and a lifting component for lifting the fork and/or spindle forremoving the mould drum from the forming apparatus; ii) adjusting theheight of the fork or spindle of the movable unit after the step ofsecuring so that the mould drum is supported by the fork or spindle; andiii) removing the mould drum from the forming apparatus.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the method includes transporting the mould drum toa cleaning apparatus.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the methodincludes a step of sensing a presence of the movable unit in relation tothe forming apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the movableunit includes the spindle.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein themethod includes adjusting an angle of the spindle.
 19. A systemcomprising: i. an apparatus including a support frame for supporting amould drum; and ii. a movable unit to transport the mould drum whereinthe movable unit has a fork and/or a spindle to bear the mould drumduring transport of the mould drum and a lifting component for liftingthe fork and/or spindle for removing the mould drum from the apparatus;wherein the system includes a positioning part, a guide or otherconnector for connecting the movable unit to the support frame so thatthe position of the movable unit is fixed relative to the apparatus inat least one spatial position prior to lifting the mould drum.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the movable unit includes the spindle,wherein an angle of the spindle is adjustable.
 21. The system of 19,wherein the movable unit includes the fork, wherein the fork maintainsan axis of rotation of the mould drum in a generally horizontaldirection.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the fork includes twoarms extending in a generally horizontal direction; the movable unitincludes wheels connected to a base of the movable unit for moving themovable unit; and the axis of rotation of the mould drum is generallyparallel to the length of the arms of the fork.
 23. The system of claim21, wherein the fork includes two arms extending in a generallyhorizontal direction; the movable unit includes wheels connected to abase of the movable unit for moving the movable unit; and the mould drumis supported along a first circumference of the mould drum by one of thearms and along a second circumference of the mould drum by the otherarm.